Lynn Haven residents could have a mayor after city commissioners meet on Tuesday morning.
Commissioner Brandon Aldridge says that's when they'll likely appoint a replacement for former Mayor Margo Anderson, who resigned last week after she was arrested on federal public corruption charges.
"I don't think that anybody would intentionally jump into turbulent waters and thrash about if they didn't have to, but that's where we are right now," Aldridge said at a commission meeting last week. "We have great staff here at Lynn Haven. And we have great citizens here backing us up and supporting us."
Anderson was in her second term when she was indicted in an ongoing investigation into public corruption in Bay County. She's among four city officials who've been charged with conspiring to defraud residents out of millions of dollars in Hurricane Michael recovery aid.
Former City Manager Michael White and former Community Services Director David Horton have both pleaded guilty to federal charges. Former City Attorney Adam Albritton entered a not-guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee last week. His trial is set to begin on Oct. 25. Anderson, who was arrested in Jacksonville, will make her first court appearance in the Northern District of Florida on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST.
The latest federal indictment alleges Anderson and Albritton billed the city for hurricane cleanup and repair work to their homes, along with the residences of friends and family members. Prosecutors say both defendants also accepted gifts and cash money in exchange for contracts awarded to local companies. The investigation is active and ongoing.
The city commission will meet at 9 a.m. CST. The meeting will be streamed live online.
